Ernest Chambers, ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’ Showrunner, Dies at 97

Ernest Chambers, a veteran writer and producer best known for his work on variety television, died on May 28 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 97 years old. His death followed a brief illness.

Throughout a professional career that spanned 50 years, Chambers was responsible for producing, writing, and executive producing over 1,000 hours of television. His work in the industry earned him 11 Emmy nominations. He is most widely recognized for his role as showrunner on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” His extensive list of credits also includes producing work on “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” “The Jim Nabors Show,” “The Nancy Sinatra Show,” “The Jerry Lewis Show,” and “Click.”

During his time on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” Chambers collaborated with Bob Einstein. It was during this production that the character Super Dave Osborne was created. Chambers also worked with Orson Welles, who directed a pilot for him. Chambers is survived by his wife, Peg, his children Maureen, Ernest Jr., and Colleen, and grandchildren Taylor and Kyle. His son Michael predeceased him.